Today is the official start of CES here in Las Vegas, but
Apple is grabbing some headlines of its own with the official launch of the Mac
App Store. Much like the iOS App Store for the iPhone, iPod touch, and
iPad, the Mac App Store allows users a single, unified place to go for OS X
applications.

As usual, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was on hand to boast about
his company's latest efforts in software distribution. “We think users are
going to love this innovative new way to discover and buy their favorite apps,”
said Jobs in a press release.

Like the iOS App Store, OS X applications will be placed in
categories (Games, Graphics and Design, Education, Productivity, etc.).
Developers must also adhere to Apple's "one step" process for
installing apps on a user's machine, and follow its strict app submission
guidelines.

“We’re delighted to bring our professional-grade paint and
drawing app, Autodesk SketchBook Pro, to the Mac App Store on its first day of
launch,” said Carl Bass, Autodesk’s CEO. “We’ve seen tremendous success on the
Mac, iPhone and iPad with multiple apps. We’re excited to offer SketchBook Pro
on the Mac App Store so artists can easily create everything from quick
sketches to high-quality artwork right on their Macs.”

Individual iLife '11 applications like iPhoto, iMovie, and
GarageBand will be available for $14.99 each. Apple's Aperture 3 software will
be available for $79.99.

The Mac App Store is apart of Mac OS X 10.6.6 and can be
downloaded via Software Update.

"I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For [Paramount] to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks!" -- Movie Director Michael Bay